Fisichella thankful to Force India

Fisichella is being slotted in alongside Kimi Raikkonen for the remainder of the 2009 season now that Felipe Massa will not be fit enough to return until next year.

Speaking about his move, Fisichella said: "I am very grateful to Vijay Mallya for allowing me this opportunity to drive for the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team.

"It is true that it has always been an ambition to do this, and for Vijay to have allowed it to become a reality is very generous.

"I hope in my turn I have helped Force India grow up and be on the right path to achieve their own ambitions. They are now a very competitive team and I wish them all the very best."

Fisichella's switch to Ferrari comes on the back of him delivering Force India's best result in F1, with pole position and second place in the Belgian Grand Prix.